Safety valve method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A remote controlled safety valve adapted for use in a well to shut-in production flow at a subsurface location. The valve operates by rotating a ball-type closure element after spacing the element from a pair of valve seats and then resealing the seats with the element after rotation is complete.

United States Patent [1 1 Mott [ 1 SAFETY VALVE METHOD AND APPARATUS[75} Inventor: James D. Mott, Houston, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Hydril Company [22] Filed: Dec.- 26, 1973 [21] App]. No:427,978

[52] U.S. Cl. 1. 166/314; 137/629; 166/224 A;

251/160 [51] Int. Cl. E2113 43/12 [58] Field 01' Search 166/224 A, 314;137/629; 251/160, 188,159, 174, 351

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,883,146 4/1959 Knox251/159 2,998,077 8/1961 Keithahnm. 166/224 A 3,007,669 11/1961 Frcdd251/58 14 1 Aug. 26, 1975 3,200,837 9/1962 Brown 166/224 A 3,583,4426/1971 Dollison .1 137/629 3,667,505 6/1972 Radig 251/174 3,703,19311/1972 Rau1ins.,... 251/174 3,741,249 6/1973 beutwyler .1 166/2243,744,564 7/1973 Mott .1 166/224 A 3,827,494 8/1974 Crowe....... 166/224A 3,830,297 8/1974 Cockrell 137/629 Primary Examiner-James A. LeppinkAttorney, Agent, or FirmPrave1 & Wilson [57] ABSTRACT A remotecontrolled safety valve adapted for use in a well to shut-in productionflow at a subsurface location. The valve operates by rotating aball-type closure element after spacing the element from a pair of valveseats and then resealing the seats with the element after rotation iscomplete.

76 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures PATENTEBAUBZEISYS 13,801 (321 PATENTEDAUBZBiQYS NM fl NM) I Q i Eb ww w\ z .W u n0 M NW 1\ Wm I mm, l I

\Gm Qbm m l N W e SAFETY VALVE METHOD AND APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates broadly to the held of a safety valvemethod and apparatus and particularly to remote controlled subsurfacesafety valves for wells.

Many prior art patents. such as US. Pat. Nos. Re. 25.109; 2.785.755;2.786.535; and Re. 25.471 have disclosed remote controlled subsurfacesafety valves having pivoted or rotating flow closure elements forshutting in a well at a subsurface locations. Due to their subsurfacelocation the cost to repair or replace this type of valve have beensubstantial. since the valve maintenance operation required that thewell be killed and the tubing removed from the well to gain access to adefective or malfunctioning valve.

In some prior ball-type safety valve patents. such US. Pat. Nos.2.998.077; 3.035.808; and 3.750.751. an operator sleeve was urged tomove downwardly while sealably engaging the ball for moving the ballopen. During opening rotation of the ball. large forces were required toovercome sealing or other contact surface friction and to overcome thepressure differen tial across the ball. Such large forces tended todecrease the reliability ofthe valve since frequent damage to the seatsand ball resulted from the high stresses incurred during valveoperation.

Several methods have been tried to increase the reliability of ballvalves. In US. Pat. Nos. 2.894.715 and 3.509.913 a spring housingarrangement was disclosed for maintaining the seats in sealingengagement with a lesser force than required to operate the ball. US.Pat. Nos. 3.2!),837 and 3.233.860 disclosed a ball valve improvement ofan annular sleeve surrounding the ball for effecting unitarylongitudinal movement of the lower and upper operator and therebyreducing the forces on the ball Another approach has been to em ploy anequalizing valve feature for equalizing the well pressure across theball prior to moving the ball down wardly for effecting openingrotation. Examples of such equalixing valves include US. Pat. Nos.3.703.193 and 3.583.442 and my US. Pat. No. 3.762.471 which alsoincludes a lost motion linkage for reducing the force required to rotatethe ball open. Another approach has been to employ two spaced ballelements operated by a single control line such as disclosed in US. Pat.No. Rc. 27.4(14.

Still another method has been to employ wire-line re trievable orthrough the bore movable valves. such as those disclosed in US. Pat.Nos. 3.675.72U; 3.747.682

Other prior art patents. for example. US. Pat. Nos. 3.696.868; 3.763.932and 3.744.564 have disclosed the use of a wire-line retrievable valve incombination with and operated by the controls of the tubingI'Cll'l\5llll valve.

Recent literature setting forth the state of the art includes an articleby G. M. Raulins entitled Platform Safety b Downhole Well Control".which appeared in the March 1972 issue of Journal of PetroleumTechnology. published by Society of Petroleum Engineers. Dallas. Texasand the June 5. 1972 and June 12. issues of ()i'! and (fat Journal.published by the Petroleum Publishing (To. Tulsa. Oklahoma. which in atwo part article entitled New Surface'Controllcd Downholc Valves by W. BIlleakle considers features of valves available from sit manufacturers.More detailed de scription of the valves considered in the latter mentioned article may be found in the current Composite Catalogue of OilField Equipment and Services. published by World Oil. Houston. Texas.

In US. Pat. No. 3.741.249 the use of a resilient or soft annular seat orseal member in a ball-type valve is disclosed. but an operator sleeve isemployed to move toward the ball for engaging the ball to effect itsdownward movement with the undesired large forces being induced in theball. Previously mentioned Pat. Nos. 2.894.715 and 3.744.504 as well asU.S. Pat. No. 3.347.318 disclose ball valves in which the operatorsleeves move in a manner to avoid inducing high stress levels in theball. but the valve seats are not spaced from the ball prior torotating. Other patents of interest with respect to this type of valveoperation include US. Pat. NOS. 3.4I4.059; 2.883.146; 3.695.579 and3.703.193.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a new and improvedsafety valve method and apparatus.

A remote controlled subsurface safety valve apparatus adapted forcontrolling flow in a well with a rotating closure element disposedbetween movable seal members. prior to rotating the closure element openthe seals are spaced from the element to equalize fluid pressure aboutthe closure element. Opening rotation is effected by an operator.connected with the closure element. moving longitudinally away from theclosure element. The seal members move to again sealably engage with theclosure elernent in the open position.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedsafety valve apparatus.

A further object ofthe present invention is to provide a new andimproved method of operating a safety valve.

Yet another of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedwell safety valve method and apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. IA. 1B. 1C and ID are sideviews. in section. of half of the well tool of the present invention andarranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom.

FIGS. 2. 3 and 4 are views similar to FIG. 1B illustrat ing the rotationof a balltype flow closure element.

FIGS. 5A. 5B. 5C and 5?) are views similar to FIGS. 1A. 1B. 1C and II).respectively. illustrating the well tool of the present invention in theopen position;

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 113; FIG. 7 is a viewtaken azlong line 7 -7 of FIG. 58; FIG. 8 is a view taken along liline88 of FIG. 1D.

FIG. 9 is a view taken along line 9 9 of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 10 is side view. in section. of a well having the well tool of thepresent invention operably located therein;

FIG. II is a schematic view. in section. of an alternate embodiment of apartial arrangement of the control system for operating the well tool ofthe present invention; and

FIGS. 12 17 are sequential side views in numerical order illustrating indetail the operating step relationship Of the ball seats and pivot pinsduring opening ro tation of the ball; and

FIG. 18 is a perspectixiview of the assembled con nector alone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As illustrated in FIG. 10, asafety valve apparatus A of the present invention is preferably mountedin a well conduit or production tubing T at a subsurface location in awell W for controlling flow of well fluids through a bore B of theproduction tubing T. While the valve apparatus A is disclosed in theenvironment of a subsurface application in a well, it should beunderstood that the valve apparatus A may be used to control flow offluids in other applications and environments.

Referring now to FIGS. IA through 1D. the valve apparatus A includes atubular flow control housing 20 which is adapted to be mounted with theproduction tubing T at a desired subsurface location in the well W.Suitable connections (not illustrated) may be provided at the upper endof the housing 20 (FIG. 1A) and the lower end of the housing (FIG. 1D)for mounting or connecting the housing 20 with the production tubing Tas is well known in the art.

The housing 20, for ease of assembly is preferably formed by threetubular members 22, 24, and 26 secured together by suitable means toform an integral unit. The upper housing sleeve or tubular member 22 isconnected with the intermediate tubular member or housing sleeve 24 bythreaded engagement at 28 (FIG. 1A) while the lower end of theintermediate housing sleeve 24 is connected with the lower housingsleeve or tubular member 26 by threaded engagement at 30 (FIG. 1D).Suitable anti-rotation pins (not illustrated) may be utilized to preventundesired threaded disengagement at 28 and 30 as is well known in theart. For ease of understanding the present invention FIGS. 1A and A havebeen illustrated on the same drawing sheet with the stationary parts ofthe valve apparatus in alignment to aid in visualizing movement of themovable parts during operation of the valve apparatus A as will be setforth in greater detail hereinafter.

The flow housing includes a flow passage for bore 32 formed therethroughwhich communicates with the bore B of the production tubing T above andbelow the housing 20 for enabling flow of well fluids through thehousing 20. Preferably, the bore 32 is of the same size as the bore B ofthe production tubing T to provide a full bore opening through thehousing 20 to enable movement of other well tools through the housing 20to enable well operations to be performed below the housing 20.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 58, a movable bore or 5 ball element 36rotates or pivots to and from the open 60 position placing the flowpassage 38 in communication or alignment with the bore 32 to enable flowthrough the flow passage 38 and the closed position where the flowpassage 38 is placed out of communication or alignment with the bore 32for substantially blocking flow through the bore 32 with the ballelement 36. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention isdisclosed using a ball-type valve. it should be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that the present invention is equallyapplicable to other types of ro rating or pivoting closure members, suchas, but not limited to, flapper-type valves and plug-type valves.

The bore closure means 34 includes a lower resilient annular valve seat40 sealably engaging a spherical surface 36a of the ball 36 to blockpasssage or leakage of fluid therebetween. The bore closure means 34also includes a second or upper annular seat ring 42 which sealablyengages the spherical surface 36a of the ball 36 at a location spacedfrom that of the sealable engagement by the lower seat ring 40. As willbe set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the lower seat ring 40 andthe upper seat ring 42 cooperate with the ball 36 to block passage offluid through the bore 32 at two space locations when the ball 36 is inthe closed position. The upper seat ring 42 and the lower seat ring 40also engage the spherical surface 36a of the ball 36 in the openposition to block entry of foreign material between the seat 40 and 42in the ball 36 which may damage the sealing surfaces and enable leakageof fluid when the ball 36 is in the closed position.

The valve apparatus A includes operator means, generally designated 44,for effecting desired movement of the bore closure means 34 to and fromthe open and closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 1B and 5B, theoperator means 44 includes means for pivoting or rotating the ball 36 toand from the open and closed positions. The ball 36 is formed with apair of spaced parallel surfaces or flats 361;, which is bestillustrated in FIG. 7, to provide clearance between the ball 36 and thehousing sleeve 24 adjacent the ball 36.

The operator means 44 further includes a lower operator assembly,designated 48 (FIGS. 18, IC and ID) and an upper operator assembly,designated 50 (FIGS. IA and 1B) which coact with the ball 36 and thepivot means 46 for effecting the desired rotation of the ball 36 in amanner to be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

The first or lower operating assembly 48 includes a lower operatorsleeve or member 52 concentrically disposed in the bore 32 and whichextends upwardly from a lower downwardly facing annular shoulder (FIG.1D) to an upwardly facing annular shoulder 52b (FIG. IB) mounting thelower resilient seal ring 40 for sealable engagement with the ball 36.The lower operator sleeve 52 is movable in opposite longitudinaldirections in the bore 32 from a first or upper position (FIGS. 18, 1C,

0 and ID) to a second or lower position (FIGS. SB, 5C,

and 5D) for effecting desired operation of the valve apparatus A.

The lower operator assembly 48 includes a connector. generallydesignated 54, for operably connecting the lower operating sleeve 52with the ball 36 to effect rotation of the ball 36 upon longitudinalmovement of the lower operating sleeve 48. For ease of assembly, theconnector or control frame 54 is formed of two mating half sleevemembers 56 and 58 which are held in concentric relationship by asecuring ring 60 which threadedly engages the lower portion of the halfsleeves 56 and 58 at 62 for maintaining the half sleeves S6 and 58 inthe desired relationship. As best illustrated in FIG. l8, each of thehalf sleeves 56 and 58 includes an upwardly extending portion or arm 56aand 58a, respec tively. Each of the upwardly extending arms 56a and 58ahave an inwardly projecting pin or lug formed thereon with thelongitudinal axis of the pins 560 and 58a in alignment.

Each of the flats 36b of the ball 36 have a concentric recess 360 formedtherein for receiving the pins 56b and 58b on opposite sides of the ball36 for connecting the ball 36 with the connector 54. In the preferredembodiment the ball connector pins 56b and 58b are alinged to engage theball 36 in concentric relationship. but as will become more readilyapparent hereinafter to those skilled in the art the pins 56b and 581)could be arranged to engage or connect with the ball at alingedeccentric locations.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 5C, each of the half sleeves 56 and58 has an inner annular recess 56c and 580, respectively, locatedadjacent the threaded engagement at 62 with the securing ring 60. Therecesses 56c and 580 cooperate to form an annular recess for receivingtherein after an annular ring 526 formed on the lower operator sleeve52. The ring 52c is dimensioned to enable limited longitudinal movementof the lower operator sleeve 52 relative to the connector 54 forpurposes that will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

The lower operating assembly 48 further includes a spring 64 or othermeans for urging the lower operating sleeve 52 and the connector 54 tomove upwardly. The spring 64 is concentrically disposed between thelower operating sleeve 52 and the hosuing below the connector S4. Thespring 64 is mounted at its lower end with a sealing member or ring 66which serves to block leakage of fluid between the housing sleeve 24 andthe movable operator sleeve 52 with ()-rings 66a and 6612. respectively,carried by the seal ring 66. The ring 66 is blocked from downwardmovement by a support mem' ber or sleeve 68 concentrically positionedbetween the lower operator sleeve 52 and the intermediate housing sleeve24. The lower housing sleeve 26 provides an upwardly facing annularshoulder 260 which engage the lower annular shoulder 68a to blockdownward movement of the support sleeve 68 and to support the ring 66against downward movement. The urging of the spring 64 between the ring66 and the connector 54 maintains the ring 66 adjacent an upper annularshoulder 68b of the support sleeve 68. Both the upper shoulder 68b andthe lower shoulder 68a have notches or re cesses formed therein forenabling passage of fluids between the seal rings 66 and the sleeve 68in the lower housing sleeve 26 for pusposes to be set forth hereinafter.The support sleeve 68 carries spaced O-rings 70 and 72 for effectingannular fluid type seals with the tubular member 24 to block leakage offluid therebetween at those fixed locations.

For ease of assembly. the lower operator sleeve 52 may be formed of anupper tubular section 52d carrying the annular ring 520 and a lowertubular section which are secured together by each section threadedlyengaging coupling 52f. The tubular sections 52d and 522 mount O-rings 74and 76 for sealably engaging with the coupling 52f to block leakage offluid along the threaded engagement. The lower tubular section 526includes a larger diameter outer portion adjacent the housing sleeve 26for effecting a fluid type seal with an O-ring 78 carried by the lowerhousing 26. The enlarged portion provides a tapered upwardly facingannular shoulder 52g for purpose to be set forth in greater detailhereinafter.

Movably disposed in concentric relationship between the support sleeve68 and the lower operator sleeve 52 is an upper or first piston ring 80.The piston ring 80 (FIG. 1C) is disposed below the sealing ring 66 whichlimits longitudinal upward movement of the upper piston ring 80 and thecoupling 52f of the lower operator sleeve 52. Downward movement of theupper piston ring will bring a lower annular shoulder 80a of the upperpiston ring 80 into engagement with the coupling 52ffor moving thecoupling 52fand the lower operator sleeve 52 downwardly until the piston80 engages an upwardly facing annular shoulder 680 formed by the supportsleeve 68. The upper piston ring 80 carries 0- rings 82 and 84 foreffecting sliding annular fluid seals with the lower operator sleeve 52and the support sleeve 68 to prevent leakage of fluid about thelongitudinally movable upper piston ring 80.

As illustrated in FIG. ID a second or lower piston ring 86 isconcentrically disposed between the lower operator sleeve 52 and thesupport sleeve 68 above the annular shoulder 52e of the lower operatorsleeve 52. The lower piston ring 86 carries O-rings 88 and 90 foreffecting sliding fluid tight annular seals with the lower operatorsleeve 52 and the support sleeve 68 to block leakage of fluid about thelower piston ring 86. The lower piston ring 86 is longitudinally movablefrom an upper position (FIG. 1D) where it engages a downwardly facingannular shoulder 68:! formed by the support sleeve 68 to limit upwardmovement of the piston ring 80 to a lower position (FIG. SD) where thelower piston ring 80 engages the shoulder 26a of the lower housingsleeve 26 to limit downward movement of the lower piston ring 80. Inmoving to the lower position the piston ring 80 engages the annularshoulder 52g of the lower operator sleeve 52 for effecting movement ofthe lower operator sleeve to its lower position. The lower housingsleeve 22 carries an O-ring 92 for blocking leakage of fluid alongthreaded engagement 30 with the intermediate housing sleeve 24.

The seals effected by the O-rings 70, 66a. 66b 82 and 84 thus defined anupper expansible chamber 94 above the piston ring 80. The seals effectedthe the O-rings 70, 84, 82, 74, 76, and O-rings 88 and 90 carried by thelower piston ring 86 thus defined an intermediate expansible chamber 96between the upper piston ring 80 and the lower piston ring 86. The sealseffected by the O-rings 78, 88, 90 and 92 define a lower expansiblechamber 98 below the lower piston ring 86. Increased fluid pressureintroduced into the upper expansible chamber 94 will effect movement ofthe upper piston ring 80 downwardly for engaging the coupling 52f andmoving the lower operator sleeve 52 to the lower position. Increasedfluid pressure introduced into the intermediate expansible chamber 96will move the upper piston ring 80 upwardly to engage the stationarysealing ring 66 for maintaining the upper piston ring 80 in the upperposition and for urging the lower piston ring 86 to move downwardly forengaging the shoulder 52g to move the lower operator sleeve 52 to thelower position. Thus increased fluid pressure in either the upperexpansible chamber 94 or the intermediate expansible chamber 96 willeffect movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 to the lower position.Increased fluid pressure in the lower expansible chamber 98 will effectmovement of the lower piston ring 86 to the upper position, but will notresist downward movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 in response toincreased fluid pressure in the upper expansible chamber 94.

The pivot means 46 includes a pair of longitudinally aligned pins 100and 102 which are eccentrically mounted with the housing 20 and extendinwardly for engaging parallel extending recesses or slots 36d formed onthe flats 36b of the ball 36. The longitudinally downward movement ofthe ball 36 and lower operator assembly 48 relative to the eccentricpins 100 and 102 pivot or rotate the ball 36 from the closed position tothe open positon as is best illustrated by comparing FIGS. 18 and B. Thepins 100 and 102 extend inwardly adjacent the upwardly extending arms56a and 58a to provide the necessary clearance to enable thelongitudinal movement of the connector 54.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B, the upper operator assembly 50includes an upper operator sleeve 104 which is concentrically disposedin the bore 32 above the ball. The upper operator sleeve either carriesor forms the upper annular sealing surface 42 for sealably engaging withthe ball 36 and is longitudinally movable between a first or upperposition (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a lower or second position (FIGS. 5A and5B) for cooperating with the longitudinal movement of the lower operatorassembly 48 for effecting movement of the ball 36 to and from the openand closed positions. Concentrically disposed between the intermediatehousing sleeve 24 and the upper operator sleeve 24 is a ring member 106which is secured with the upper operator sleeve 104 by any suitablemeans, such as by threaded engagement at 108. The collar 106 provides anupwardly facing annular shoulder 106a which engages a downwardly facingannular shoulder 22a provided by the upper housing section 22 to limitupward movement of the upper operator sleeve 104. Concentricallydisposed adjacent the ball 36 is a guide ring 110 which is fixedlysecured to the housing by suitable means such as inwardly projectingthreaded pins (not illustrated). Also concentrically mounted between theupper operator sleeve 104 and the housing sleeve 24 is a sealing member112 which is blocked from longitudinal movement by engagement with theguide ring 110 at its lower end and by engagement with a downwardlyfacing annular shoulder 240 formed by the intermediate housing sleeve24. The seal member 1 12 carries an O-ring 114 for effecting an annularfluid tight seal with intermediate housing sleeve 24 and a annularsliding seal with the upper operator sleeve 104 to block the passage offluid about the seal member 112. The upper operator sleeve 104 includesa collar 104a formed thereon adjacent the seal member 112 which carriesan O-ring 118 for effecting a sliding annular seal with the lowerportion of the seal member 112. LOcated imme diately above the collar1040 is a port 104)) formed through the upper operator sleeve 104 forcommunicating fluid pressure in the bore 32 above the ball 36 to anupwardly facing annular shoulder 104b formed by the collar 1040 of theupper operator sleeve 104. The seals effected by the O-rings 114, 116and 118 thus de fined an annular expansible chamber 120 whichcommunicates through the port 1041; with the bore 32. Fluid pressure inthe seal expansible chamber 120 urges on an upwardly facing annularshoulder 104C formed by the collar 104a between the seals effected bythe O-rings 116 and 118 for providing a downwardly urging on the upperoperator sleeve 104 for purpose to be set forth hereinafter. Bycontrolling the area of the shoulders 104c and 104d between the O-rings116 and 118 the magnitude of downwardly and upwardly urging of fluidpressure on the upper operator sleeve 104 may be controlled.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A. the upper operator assembly 50 includes aspring 122 below the collar 106 for urging or biasing the collar 106 andthe upper operator sleeve 104 to the upper position. The lower end ofthe spring 122 is mounted with an upwardly facing annular shoulder 24bformed by the intermediate housing section 24.

The upper operator assembly 50 further includes an upper or first pistonring 124 and a second or lower piston ring 126 which are bothconcentrically located between the upper operator sleeve 104 and theintermediate housing sleeve 24. The upper piston ring 124 islongitudinally movable between an upper position (FIG. 13) where itengages downwardly facing annular shoulder 24c formed by theintermediate housing sleeve 24. In moving to the lower position, thepiston ring 124 engages an upwardly facing annular shoulder 104d of theupper operator sleeve 104 for moving the operator sleeve 104 to thelower position. The upper piston ring 124 mounts a pair of O-rings 128and 130 for effecting annular slidable seals with the intermediatehousing section 24 and the upper operator sleeve 104, respectively.

The lower piston ring 126 carries O-rings 132 and 134 for effectingfluid tight sliding annular seals with the intermediate housing sleeve24 and the upper operator sleeve 104, respectively. The lower pistonring 126 is movable longitudinally from an upper position (FIG. 18)where it is blocked or stopped from further upward movement byengagement with downwardly facing annular shoulder 24d. ln moving to thelower position the lower piston ring 126 engages a detent ring 136 whichis secured in an annular recess 104e formed on the upper operator sleeve104 for moving the upper operator sleeve 104 to the lower position alongwith the lower piston ring 126.

The upper housing sleeve 22 carries an O-ring 138 for effecting a fluidtight annular seal with the upper operator sleeve 104 above the collar106. The upper housing sleeve 22 also carries O-rings 140 and 142 forblocking leakage or fluid between the upper housing sleeve 22 and theintermediate housing sleeve at spaced locations as will be set forth ingreater detail hereinafter.

The upper piston ring 124 and the lower piston ring 126 cooperate toform an upper expansible chamber 144, an intermediate expansible chamber146 and a lower expansible chamber 148 for the operator means 44 in amanner similar to that formed by the piston rings and 86 below the ball36. The upper expansible chamber 144 is defined by the seals effected bythe O-rings 140 and 138 (FIG. LA) at its upper end and by the O-rings128 and mounted with the upper piston ring 124(FIG. 1B) at the lower endof the upper expansible chamber 144. The intermediate expansible chamberis defined by the O-rings 128 and 130 carried by the upper piston ring124 and the O-rings 132 and 134 carried by the lower piston ring 126.The lower expansible chamber 148 is defined by the O-rings 132 and 134mounted with the movable lower piston ring 126 and the O-rings 114 and116 carried by the sealing member 112.

Increased fluid pressure in the upper expansible chamber will urgedownwardly up on the upper piston 124 for effecting downward movementofthe upper o erator sleeve 104. Increased fluid pressure in theintermediate expansible chamber 146 will maintain the upper piston ring124 in the upper position and will effect downward movement of the upperoperator sleeve 104 by moving the lower piston ring 126 to the lowerposition (FIG. 58), Increased fluid pressure in the lower expansiblechamber 148 will maintain the lower piston ring 126 in the upperposition. but will not oppose movement of the upper operator sleeve 104to the lower position in response to increased fluid pressure in theupper expansible chamber 144.

The operator means 44 further includes means for communicating controlfluid pressure to the expansible chambers 94, 96, 98. 144, 146 and 148in a desired pattern or manner. As illustrated in FIG. 1A and B.controlled fluid pressure is preferably supplied to the housing at apair of spaced inlet ports 150 and 152 formed in the upper housingsleeve 22. The inlet port 150 preferably communicates with bothintermediate expansibie chambers 146 and 96 for urging both the upperoperator assembly and the lower operator as sembly 48 to the lowerposition and effecting opening rotation of the ball 36. Referring now toFIG. 1A, the inlet port 150 communicates with the passageway 154 formedin the upper housing section which in turn communicates between spacedO-rings 140 and 142 with a passageway 156 in the intermediate housingsection 24. A plug 158 blocks communication of the fluid pressure in thepassage with 154 into the upper expansible chamber 144. The expansiblechamber 146 communi cates with the passageway 156 through a port 1560(FIG. 18] while the lower intermediate expansible chamber 96communicates with the passageway 156 through a lower port 156)) and aport 680' formed through the support sleeve 68 which is in spaced relationship ith the intermediate housing sleeve 24 between the ports 15617and 68d.

The inlet port 152 formed in the upper housing sleeve 22 communicatesdirectly with the upper expansiblc chamber 144 through passageway 158formed therethrough. The intcrmediate housing sleeve 24 forms a secondpassageway 160 (FIG. 5B) which communicates with the upper expansiblechamber 144 through port 160a. The passageway 160 in turn cornmunicateswith the lower expansible chamber 148 through port 160/). The passageway160 communicates with the upper expansible chamber 94 through a port1600 adjacent the sealing ring 66 (FIG. 5C). The lower end of thepassageway 160 (FIG. SD) communicates with the lower cxpansible chamber98 through the port dv The fluid pressure communicated to the port 152is communicated into both upper cxpansible chambers 144 and 94 and bothlower expansible chambers 148 and 98. Thus. increased control fluidpressure communicate to the port 52 will also effect downward movementof both the upper operator assembly 50 and the lower operator assembly48 to the lower position for effecting opening rotation of the ball 36.

An alternate embodiment of the upper operator assembly 50 is illustratedin FIG. 11. Such alternate embodimcnt is substantially similar to thatdisclosed in US. Pat, No. 3.744.564 which issued to me on July 10, 1973and which is assigned to the Assignee of the pres ent invention andspecific reference to the patent is made for the purpose ofincorporation herein a more detailed description of the structure andoperation of such a safety valve system As disclosed in that patent. thealternate embodiment illustrated schematically in FIG. 11, provides thevalve apparatus 20 with the capa bility to lock open the ball .34 whendesired. It further gives the valve apparatus A the capability totemporarily constrict the bore for landing a through the boreretrievable valve in the housing and for effecting operation of theretrievable valve with the controls of the tubing retrievable valve.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the tubular housing is referenced as 200 whilethe longitudinally movable upper operator sleeve is referenced as 202.Mounted with the housing 200 is a spring 204 for urging thelongitudinally movable operator sleeve 202 to remain in the upperposition. Concentrically disposed between the operator sleeve 202 andthe housing 200 is a lower piston ring 206 carrying O-rings 208 and 210for effecting fluid tight annular slidable seals with the housing 200and the tubular operator 202. Located immediately above the lower piston206 is a radially expansiblc gapped detent locking ring 212. The upperpiston is formed by a sleeve 214 which carries an Owing 216 to form asliding fluid type seal with the opcrator sleeve 202. The sleeve 214carries an O-ring 218 for effecting a sliding fluid type annular sealwith the housing 200 while the hous ing 200 carries an O-ring 220 foreffecting a fluid type annular sliding seal with the sleeve 214 abovethe open ator sleeve 202. A second spring 222 urges the sleeve 214 tothe upper position. Position between the sleeve 214 and the sleeve 202is the gappcd landing ring 224 which may be radially constricted whendesired to form a landing shoulder for the wirelinc rctricvablc valve,

The seals effected by the O-rings 220 and 218 define an upper expansiblechamber 226 for urging the upper sleeve 214 downwardly in response toincreased control fluid pressure in the chamber 226. Downward movementof the upper sleeve 214 engages the landing ring 224 and the operatorslccvc 202 for also effecting their downward movement in response toincreased control fluid pressure in the upper chamber 226. The Orings216 and 218 define the upper portion of an intermediate expansiblcchamber 228 while the Orings 208 and 210 mounted wih the longitudinallymovable piston 206 defines the lower portion of the intermediateexpansible chamber 228. The housing 200 carries an O-ring 229 whichalong with O-rings 208 and 210 define a lower expansible chamber 230.

Control fluid pressure communicated into the intermediate annularchamber 228 urges on the lower piston ring 206 urging it to movedownwardly and cngag' ing a collar 202a formed on the operator sleeve202 for effecting downward movement of the operator slcevc 202. Theincreased control lluid pressure in the intermediate chamber 228 urgesupwardly on the upper sleeve 214 for maintaining the sleeve 214 in theupper position. Thus, increased control fluid pressure in either theupper expansible chamber 226 or the intermediate expansible chamber 223effects downward movement of the operator slccvc Z02.

increased fluid pressure in the lower expansible chamber 230 will urgethe lower piston ring 206 to move upwardly towards the detent 212. Byeommunieating increased control fluid pressure into the upper expansiblechamber 226 and the lower expansiblc chamber 230 the sleeve 21% willeffect downward movement of the operator sleeve 202 while the lowerpiston ring 206 is blocked from upward movement by engagement with thedetent 212 which in turn engages inwardly projecting annular collar 2000of the housing 200. When the upper sleeve 214 has sufficient downwardmovement of the operator sleeve 202 to align recess 202b with detent 212the lower piston ring 206 forces the detent 212 into the recess 202a andlocks or maintains the detent 212 in the recess 20211. When the controlfluid pressure and the upper expansible chamber 226 and the lowerexpansible chamber 230 is vented or reduced the spring 204 is unable tomove the operator sleeve 202 upwardly because of the engagement of thedetent 212 with the collar 200a. but the spring 222 is able to move theupper sleeve 214 to the upper position In this manner the upper operatorsleeve 202 may be locked in the lower position to lock the valve in theopen position. To release the operator sleeve 202 from the lowerposition it is only necessary to increase the fluid pressure in theintermediate expansible chamber 228 which moves the lower piston ring206 downwardly for releasing the detent 212 from the recess 202!) andenabling the spring 204 to move the operator sleeve 202 to the upperposition when the control fluid pressure in the intermediate expansiblechamber 228 is reduced. With the operator sleeve 202 locked in the openposition, the wire-line retrievable valve operably engages recess 214ain the sleeve 214 and is operated open by increasing the control fluidpressure in the upper expansible chamber 226 and the lower expansiblechamber 230.

OPERATION In the use and operation of the present invention, the wellapparatus A is made up in the production tubing T at a desired locationtherein and run in the well W as well known in the art. Prior tolowering the well apparatus A into the well a first or normal controlfluid conduit L1 is connected to the port 150 and a second or balancedline control conduit L2 is connected to the port 152. When the wellapparatus A is at the desired depth in the well W a packer P is set forsealing be tween the production tubing T and a casing C for directingflow of well fluids through the bore B of the producting tubing T. Whilethe casing may not extend continuously from the packer P to the groundsurface G sufficient casing C is located adjacent the surface G toenable mounting of the well head flow apparatus or christmas tree X atthe surface. Provisions are made adjacent the surface G for bringing thecontrol fluid conduits L1 and L2 to remote controllers S1 and S2,respectively. Such controllers SI and S2 normally include a supply ofcontrol fluid which may be pressured or vented as desired. An example ofa control system may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,035,808 which issued toG. S. Knox and which is assigned to the Assignee of the presentinvention. With the well so completed, the normal flow pattern for wellfluids in a subsurface producing formation F is to flow throughperforation into the casing C where they are directed to flow up thebore B of the production tubing T by the packer P. Normally such flow iscontrolled at the surface by the valves located on the Christmas tree X.

To enable flow through the bore B or the productin tubing T it isnecessary to operate the valve apparatus A to the open position forenabling flow to the surface. This is preferably accomplished byincreasing the con trol fluid pressure in the normal control fluidconduit Ll using the first control fluid supply means S1 while ventingthe second control fluid supply means S2 to prevent a pressure build-upin the second control fluid conduit L2 during operation of the valveapparatus A. By using the intermediate expansible chambers 146 and 96for normal operation, the second control fluid conduit L2 whichcommunicates with the lower expansible chambers 148 and 98 can serve asa balance line and therefore enable the running of the valve apparatus Aat greater depths since the springs 122 and 64 will not be required tosupport the hydrostatic head of control fluid in the control fluidconduit LI.

Also by increasing the control fluid pressure in the conduits L2 andventing the control fluid pressure in the conduit Ll increased controlfluid pressure will be communicated into the upper expansible chambers144 and 94 and the lower expansible chambers 148 and 98 which effect thesame opening rotation operation of the ball 36 as that by increasedcontrol fluid pressure in the intermediate expansible chambers 146 and98.

Prior to the increase of control fluid pressure in the conduit Ll, thevalve apparatus A is in the condition illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C,1D and 12 with the high pressure well fluids shut-in below the ball.Both the metal seal between the upper seat 42 and the ball 36 andengagement of the ball 36 with the lower resil ient seat 40 serve toshut-in or block flow through the bore 32. The engagement of the lowerseat ring 40 with the ball 36 creates a small unbalanced pressure urgingon the lower operator sleeve 52 for urging the sleeve 52 upwardly intothe sealing engagement with the ball and for urging the ball 36 intoengagement with the upper seat 42. Thus the greater the well shut-inpressure the greater the sealing force of the seals 42 and 40 with theball 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-17, the ball 36 and seats 40 and 42 areillustrated in FIG. 12 in the closed position prior to increasing thecontrol fluid pressure. The initial response to increased control fluidpressure is illustrated in FIG. 13 where the sleeve 52 has commenced tomove downwardly for spacing the lower seat 40 from the ball 36 andequalizing well pressure adjacent the ball 36. Due to the length of therecesses 56c and 580, the sleeve 52 is free to move this distance byovercoming the small upwardly urging of well pressure on the sleeve 52.Continued downward movement of the sleeve 52 moves the connector 54downward to engage the ball 36 with the concentric pins 56b and 58b(FIG. 14).

As downward movement of the sleeve 104 is delayed by well pressureurging upwardly on shoulder 104d, the ball 36 is pulled downwardly bythe pins 56b and 58b for spacing the seat 42 from the ball 36 (FIG. 14).This spacing enables equalizing of well pressure adjacent the ball 36and equalizes the pressure urgings on the upper operator sleeve 104.

When the ball 36 ad the upper seat 42 are spaced, the eccentric pins 100and 102 engage the walls of the eccentric recesses 36d for effectingrotation of the ball (FIG. 15). Due to the length of recesses 56c and58c, the lower operator sleeve 52 is unable to completely pull the ball36 open and it is necessary to engage the ball 36 with the upperoperator sleeve 104 (FIG. 16) for moving the ball 36 downwardly a smalllongitudinal distance to rotate the ball 36 for completely aligning theflow passage 38 with the bore 32. The ball 36 may be teflon coated by anumber of known processes to those skilled in the art for minimizingfriction during the last portion of opening rotation.

As the spring 64 does not engage the lower operator sleeve 52, theconnector 54 will move the ball 36 from engagement with the loweroperator sleeve 52 upwardly when rotating the ball 36 closed. To spacethe upper seat 42 from the ball 36 during closing rotation thereof, theupward movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 is retarded relative tothat of the upper operator sleeve 104. This may be achieved either byhaving the lower pistons 80 and 86 larger in pressure responsive areaand therefore volume than the upper pistons 124 and 126 or byrestricting the flow area of the ports 160v. 160d and 156k communicatingwith the expansible chambers 94, 98 and 86, respectively. Thus, closingrotation would be essentially a reversal of the steps of rotating openthe ball 36.

Th foregoing disclosure and description of the invention areillustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size,shape, and materials as well as in the details of the illustratedconstruction may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

I claim:

1. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at asubsurface location and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatableball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element forcontrolling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit byrotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of:

spacing the ball element from an annular seat that is sealably engagedby the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flowpassage and well conduit; and

sealing the ball element with the annular seat for excludingtherebetween undesired foreign material in the well fluids by moving theannular seat to sea]- ingly engage the ball element.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:

moving the ball element longitudinally in the tubular housing whilerotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:

moving the ball element longitudinally for spacing the ball elements andseat 4. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure about the ball element after spacingthe ball element and seat. w

5. A method of operating a well too] mounted with a well conduit at asubsurface location and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatableball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element forcontrolling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit byrotational movement of the ball element. including the steps of:

spacing the ball elements from a seat that is sealably engaged by theball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;

rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flowpassage and well conduit;

sealing the ball element with the seat for excluding therebetweenundesired foreign material in the well fluids; and

spacing the ball element from a second seat that sealably engages theball element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement of thefirst mentioned seat prior to the step of rotating the ball ele ment toenable flow.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the ball element afterspacing the ball element and the sec ond seat.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6, including the step of:

moving the ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball elementto enable flow of well fluids.

8. The method as set forth in claim 6, including the step of:

engaging the ball elements with the first and second seats for effectingfluid seals after rotating the ball element to enable flow of wellfluids.

9. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at asubsurface location and having a tu bular housing mounting a rotatableball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit byrotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of:

spacing the ball element from an annular seat that is sealably engagedby the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;

contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of the ballelement for imparting an urging to the ball element in a direction toeffect opening rotation of the ball element; urging in a direction onthe ball element at the two contacting locations for moving the ballelement;

rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flowpassage and well conduit in response to the urging on the ball elementat the two contacting locations; and

moving the annular seat to sealingly engage the ball element forexcluding therebetween undesired foreign material.

10. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of;

moving the ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball elementby urging on the ball element at the two contacting locations.

ll. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at asubsurface location and having a tu bular housing forming a bore andmounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through theball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore byrotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of:

spacing the ball element from a first seat that is sealably engaged bythe ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;

spacing the ball element from a second seat that sealably engages theball element at a location spaced from the scalable engagement of thefirst mentioned seat;

contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of the ballelement for rotating the ball element;

urging on the ball element in a direction at the two contactinglocations for rotating the ball element;

rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flowpassage and well conduit; and

sealing the ball element with the seats for excluding therebetweenundesired foreign material in the well fluids by moving one of the seatsto sealingly engage the ball element with both seats. 12. A method ofoperating a subsurface well flow control valve having a housing mountinga valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seatmeans including upper and lower annular seats engageable with said flowclosure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from engagement with the upper andlower annular seat means;

moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow by urging on theflow closure element at two spaced locations on opposite sides of theflow closure element; and

engaging the flow closure element with upper and lower annular seatmeans while flow is enabled.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12, including the step of:

moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing whilerotating the flow closure element to enable flow.

14. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a welltubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mountinga movable valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including thesteps of:

moving the seat for spacing the flow closure element from flow sealingengagement the seat;

moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing whilerotating the flow closure element to enable desired flow through thewell tubing; and sealing the flow closure element with the seat whileflow is enabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flowclosure element and the seat;

15. A method of Operating a well flow control valve mounted with a welltubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mountinga valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with theseat;

moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing whilerotating the flow closure element to enable desired flow through thewell tubing flow; and

moving the seat for sealing with the flow closure element to block entryof undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure elementafter spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement withthe seat.

17. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a welltubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mountinga valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with theseat;

engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sidesof the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closurein a direction to enable desired flow;

urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations formoving the flow closure element;

moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the welltubing; and

sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled bymoving the seat to engage the flow closure element to block entry ofundesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17, including the step of:

urging on the flow closure element at the two engaged locations formoving the flow closure element longitudinally to effect rotation of theflow closure element.

19. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a welltubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mountinga valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with theseat;

moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the welltubing; sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow isenabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closureelement and the seat; and

spacing the flow closure element from a second seat that sealablyengages the flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealableengagement of the first mentioned seat prior to the step of moving theflow closure element to enable flow.

20. The method as set forth in claim 18, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure elementafter spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement withthe second seat.

21. A method of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a wellconduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of wellfluids through the bore of the well conduit, said safety valve havingvalve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seatmeans including first and second seats engaging said flow closureelement on opposite sides of said flow closure element, including thesteps of:

spacing the flow closure element from engagement with the first andsecond valve seat means;

engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sidesof the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closureelement in a direction to enable flow; and

urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations formoving the flow closure ele ment in the direction to enable flow of wellfluids through the bore of the well conduit.

22. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of:

engaging the flow closure element only at the two spaced locations foreffecting longitudinal movement of the flow closure element.

23. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure about the flow closure element byspacing the flow closure element from the valve seat means.

24. The method as set forth in claim 21. including the step of:

rotating the flow closure element to enable flow in response to theurging on the flow closure element.

25. The method as set forth in claim 24, including the step of:

moving the flow closure element longitudinally while rotating to enableflow of well fluids.

26. The method as set forth in claim 22, including the step of:

actuating a control means from a location exteriorly of the well forrotating the flow closure element to enable flow,

27. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of:

moving the flow closure element longitudinally for spacing the flowclosure element from a second sealable engagement with the valve seatmeans in response to the urging on the flow closure element.

28. The method as set forth in claim 27, including the step of:

rotating the flow closure element to enable flow of well fluids afterspacing the flow closure element from the second scalable engagementwith the valve seat means.

29. The method as set forth in claim 28, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure elementprior to rotating the flow closure element.

30. A method of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a wellconduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of wellfluids through the bore of the well conduit with a valve seat means anda movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing at flow closure element from scalable engagc ment with a valveseat means by moving the seat means from scalable engagement with theflow closure element for spacing the seat means and flow closureelement;

engaging the flow closure element at spaced loca tions on opposite sidesof the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closureelement; and

urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations formoving the flow closure elcment to enable flow of well fluids throughthe bore of the well conduit.

3]. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells. in-

cluding.

a flow housing having a bore thcrcthrough and means for mounting saidflow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in awell:

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for en abling flow of fluid through said bore anda closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said borc, saidborc closure means. comprising:

a flow closure clement movably disposed in said bore to and from openand closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means having an annular resilient seal movably disposed insaid bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element in theopen and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through saidbore; and operator means operubly conncctcd with said flow closureelement for effecting movement of said flow closure element to and fromthe open and closed position, said operator means spacing said annularresilient seal and said flow closure element from scalable engagementprior to moving said flow closure element from the closed to the openposition wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid. 32. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said valve seat meanshaving a seat member engageable with said closure element in the openposition. 33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3l, wherein; saidvalve seat means and said flow closure element arranged for equalizingthe fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element when said valveseat means and said flow closure element are spaced by said operatormeans. 34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3], including: said valveseat means having an annular seat member for sealably engaging with saidflow closure element to block passage of fluid therebctween when saidflow closurc element is in the closed position. 35. The apparatus as setforth in claim 34, including: said operator means spacing said annularseat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flowclosure elcrncnt open. 36. The apparatus as set forth in claim 35,including: said flow closure element in moving to the open positionscalably engages with said annular scat mem ber.

37. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said flow closureelement formed by a ball-typc valve element having a flow passage formedtherethrough, said ballt vpe valve element rotatable to enable flowthrough said flow passage in the open position and to block flow withsaid ball-type valve element in the closed position. 38. The apparatusas set forth in claim 37, wherein: said operator means effectingrotational movement of said ball-typc valve element to the open positionafter spacing said ball-type valve clement from said valve seat means.39. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said valve seatmeans scalably engaging with said ball-type valve element when saidhall-type valve element is substantially rotated open. 40. The apparatusas set forth in claim 39, wherein: said valve seat means having a firstannular seat member for scalably engaging said ball-type valve elementto block passage oi fluid thcrcbetween at a first location; and saidvalve seat mcuns having a second annular scat member for scalalilyengaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluidthcrcoctwccn at a second location spaced from said first locationwherein said vahe scat means effects two flow blocking sealingengagements with said lmll-type valve element in the closed position.41. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells including:

a flow housing having a hOI'C thcrcthrough and means for mounting saidflow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in awell;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing' for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and aclosed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said boreclosure means, comprising:

a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from openand closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with saidflow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means foreffecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open andclosed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means andsaid flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving saidbore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatuscontrols the flow of fluid;

said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween;and

said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid betweenboth said first seat member and said flow closure element and saidsecond seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closureelement is in the closed position, said operator means spacing saidfirst seat member and said second seat member from said flow closureelement prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position.

42. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting saidflow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in awell;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and aclosed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said boreclosure means, comprising:

a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from openand closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with saidflow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means foreffecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open andclosed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means andsaid flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving saidbore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatuscontrols the flow of fluid;

said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween;

said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealableengagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid betweenboth said first seat member and said flow closure element and saidsecond seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closureelement is in the closed position, said operator means spacing saidfirst seat member and said second seat member from said flow closureelement prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position;and

said operator means spaces said flow closure element and said secondseat member for equalizing fluid pressure adjacent said flow closureelement prior to moving the flow closure element to the open position.

43. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting saidflow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in awell;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and aclosed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said boreclosure means, comprising:

a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from openand closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with saidflow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means foreffecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open andclosed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means andsaid flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving saidbore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatuscontrols the flow of fluid;

said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween;

said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealableengagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid betweenboth said first seat member and said flow closure element and saidsecond seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closureelement is in the closed position, said operator means spacing saidfirst seat member and said second seat member from said flow closureelement prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position;and

said operator means moves said first seat member for spacing said firstseat member from said flow closure element.

44. The apparatus as set forth in claim 43, wherein:

said operator means moves said flow closure element for spacing saidsecond seat member from said flow closure element.

45. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein:

said operator means rotates said flow closure element to the openposition after spacing said first seat means and said second seat meansfrom said flow closure element.

46. The apparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein:

said flow closure element is formed by a ball-type valve element havinga flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve elementrotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open positionand to block flow with said balLtype valve element in the closedposition.

47. The apparatus as set forth in claim 46, wherein:

said operator means spaces said ball-type valve element from said secondseat member prior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the openposition.

48. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein:

said operator means moves said ball-type valve element longitudinally insaid bore of said housing when rotating said ball-type valve element toand from the open and closed position.

49. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein:

said operator means maintains said first seat member and said secondseat member spaced from said ball-type element when rotating saidball-type element to the open position.

50. The apparatus as set forth in claim 49, wherein:

said first seat member and said second seat member sealably engage withsaid ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element issubstantially rotated open.

51. The apparatus as set forth in claim 50, wherein:

said operator means moves said ball-type valve element longitudinally insaid bore of said housing when rotating said ball-type valve element toand from the open and closed positions.

52. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting saidflow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in awell;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and aclosed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said boreclosure means, comprising:

a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from openand closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with saidflow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means foreffecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open andClosed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means andsaid flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving saidbore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatuscontrols the flow of fluid;

said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having aflow passage formed there through, said ball-type valve elementrotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open positionand to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closedposition;

said valve seat means sealably engaging with said ball-type valveelement when said ball-type valve element is substantially rotated open;

said valve seat means having a first annular seat member for sealablyengaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluidtherebetween at a first location;

said valve seat means having a second annular seat member for sealablyengaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluidtherebetween at a second location spaced from said first locationwherein said valve seat means effects two flow blocking sealingengagements with said ball-type valve element in the closed position;and

said operator means effecting rotational movement of said ball-typevalve element to the open position after spacing said ball-type valveelement from said first annular seat member and said second annular seatmember.

53. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting saidflow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in awell;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and aclosed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said boreclosure means. comprising:

a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from openand closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with saidflow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means foreffecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open andclosed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means andsaid flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving saidbore closure means to the open position;

said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having aflow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element pivotallyconnected with said housing for effecting rotation to enable flowthrough said flow passage in the open position and to block flow withsaid ball-type valve element in closed position;

a first operator member disposed in said bore and mounted with saidhousing for longitudinal movement relative thereto said operator memberengageable with said ball-type valve in the closed position; and

means pivotally connecting said first operator member and said balltypevalve element for moving said ball-type valve to effect rotation of saidballtype valve element between open and closed positions upon movementof said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions said meansfor connecting arranged to move said ball-type valve to effect openingrotation after spacing said operator member from engagement with saidball-type valve wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid.

54. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein:

said first operator member moves in a longitudinal direction away fromsaid ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve elementto the open position.

55. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein said means forrotating said ball-type valve element, in-

cluding:

1. A METHOD OF OPERATING A WELL TOOL MOUNTED WITH A WELL CONDUIT AT ASUBSURFACE LOCATION AND HAVING A TUBULAR HOUSING MOUNTING A ROTATABLEBALL ELEMENT WITH A FLOW PASSAGE FORMED THROUGH THE BALL ELEMENT FORCONTROLLING FLOW OF WELL FLUIDS THROUGH THE BORE OF THE WELL CONDUIT BYROTATIONAL MOEMENT OF THE BALL ELEMENT, INCLUDING THE STEPS OF: SPACINGTHE BALL ELEMENT FROM AN ANNULAR SEAT THAT IS SEALABLY ENGAGED BY THEBALL ELEMENT FOR BLOCKING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH THE BORE, ROTATING THEBALL ELEMENT TO ENABLE FLOW OF WELL FLUIDS THROUGH THE FLOW PASSAGE ANDWELL CONDUIT, AND SEALING THE BALL ELEMENT WITH THE ANNULAR SEAT FOREXCLUDING THEREBETWEEN UNDESIRED FOREIGN MATERIAL IN THE WELL FLUIDS BYMOVING THE ANNULAR SEAT TO SEALINGLY ENGAGE THE BALL ELEMENT.
 2. Themethod as set forth in claim 1, including the step of: moving the ballelement longitudinally in the tubular housing while rotating the ballelement to enable flow of well fluids.
 3. The method as set forth inclaim 1, including the step of: moving the ball element longitudinallyfor spacing the ball elements and seat.
 4. The method as set forth inclaim 1, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure aboutthe ball element after spacing the ball element and seat. w
 5. A methodof operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurfacelocation and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatable ball elementwith a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flowof well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotationalmovement of the ball element, including the steps of: spacing the ballelements from a seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element forblocking flow of fluid through the bore; rotating the ball element toenable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit;sealing the ball element with the seat for excluding therebetweenundesired foreign material in the well fluids; and spacing the ballelement from a second seat that sealably engages the ball element at alocation spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seatprior to the step of rotating the ball element to enable flow.
 6. Themethod as set forth in claim 5, including the step of: equalizing thewell fluid pressure adjacent the ball element after spacing the ballelement and the second seat.
 7. The method as set forth in claim 6,including the step of: moving the ball element longitudinally whilerotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.
 8. The methodas set forth in claim 6, including the step of: engaging the ballelements with the first and second seats for effecting fluid seals afterrotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.
 9. A method ofoperating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurfacelocation and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatable ball elementwith a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flowof well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotationalmovement of the ball element, including the steps of: spacing the ballelement from an annular seat that is sealably engaged by the ballelement for blocking flow of fluid through the bore; contacting the ballelement at locations on opposite sides of the ball element for impartingan urging to the ball element in a direction to effect opening rotationof the ball element; urging in a direction on the ball element at thetwo contacting locations for moving the ball element; rotating the ballelement to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and wellconduit in response to the urging on the ball element at the twocontacting locations; and moving the annular seat to sealingly engagethe ball element for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material.10. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of: movingthe ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball element byurging on the ball element at the two contacting locations.
 11. A methodof operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurfacelocation and having a tubular housing forming a bore and mounting arotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ballelement for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore byrotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of: spacingthe ball element from a first seat that is sealably engaged by the ballelement for blocking flow of fluid through the bore; spacing the ballelement from a second seat that sealably engages the ball element at alocation spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentionedseat; contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of theball element for rotating the ball element; urging on the ball elementin a direction at the two contacting locations for rotating the ballelement; rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids throughthe flow passage and well conduit; and sealing the ball element with theseats for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material in the wellfluids by moving one of the seats to sealingly engage the ball elementwith both seats.
 12. A method of operating a subsurface well flowcontrol valve having a housing mounting a valve seat means and a movableflow closure element, said valve seat means including upper and lowerannular seats engageable with said flow closure element, including thesteps of: spacing the flow closure element from engagement with theupper and lower annular seat means; moving the flow closure element toenable desired flow by urging on the flow closure element at two spacedlocations on opposite sides of the flow closure element; and engagingthe flow closure element with upper and lower annular seat means whileflow is enabled.
 13. The method as set forth in claim 12, including thestep of: moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housingwhile rotating the flow closure element to enable flow.
 14. A method ofoperating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at asubsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a movablevalve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:moving the seat for spacing the flow closure element from flow sealingengagement the seat; moving the flow closure element longitudinally inthe housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable desiredflow through the well tubing; and sealing the flow closure element withthe seat while flow is enabled to block entry of undesired matterbetween the flow closure element and the seat;
 15. A method of operatinga well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurfacelocation in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and amovable flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing the flowclosure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat; moving theflow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating theflow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubingflow; and moving the seat for sealing with the flow closure element toblock entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and theseat.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the step of:equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure elementafter spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement withthe seat.
 17. A method of operating a well flow control valve mountedwith a well tubinG at a subsurface location in a well and having ahousing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element,including the steps of: spacing the flow closure element from flowsealing engagement with the seat; engaging the flow closure element atspaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element foreffecting movement of the flow closure in a direction to enable desiredflow; urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locationsfor moving the flow closure element; moving the flow closure element toenable desired flow through the well tubing; and sealing the flowclosure element with the seat while flow is enabled by moving the seatto engage the flow closure element to block entry of undesired matterbetween the flow closure element and the seat.
 18. The method as setforth in claim 17, including the step of: urging on the flow closureelement at the two engaged locations for moving the flow closure elementlongitudinally to effect rotation of the flow closure element.
 19. Amethod of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubingat a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valveseat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of: spacingthe flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat;moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the welltubing; sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow isenabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closureelement and the seat; and spacing the flow closure element from a secondseat that sealably engages the flow closure element at a location spacedfrom the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seat prior to thestep of moving the flow closure element to enable flow.
 20. The methodas set forth in claim 18, including the step of: equalizing the wellfluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element after spacing the flowclosure element from flow sealing engagement with the second seat.
 21. Amethod of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a wellconduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of wellfluids through the bore of the well conduit, said safety valve havingvalve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seatmeans including first and second seats engaging said flow closureelement on opposite sides of said flow closure element, including thesteps of: spacing the flow closure element from engagement with thefirst and second valve seat means; engaging the flow closure element atspaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element foreffecting movement of the flow closure element in a direction to enableflow; and urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spacedlocations for moving the flow closure element in the direction to enableflow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit.
 22. The methodas set forth in claim 21, including the step of: engaging the flowclosure element only at the two spaced locations for effectinglongitudinal movement of the flow closure element.
 23. The method as setforth in claim 21, including the step of: equalizing the well fluidpressure about the flow closure element by spacing the flow closureelement from the valve seat means.
 24. The method as set forth in claim21, including the step of: rotating the flow closure element to enableflow in response to the urging on the flow closure element.
 25. Themethod as set forth in claim 24, including the step of: moving the flowclosure element longitudinally while rotating to enable flow of wellfluids.
 26. The method as set forth in claim 22, including the step of:actuating a control means from a location exteriorly of the well forrotating the flow closure element to enable flow.
 27. The method as setforth in claim 21, including the step of: moving the flow cLosureelement longitudinally for spacing the flow closure element from asecond sealable engagement with the valve seat means in response to theurging on the flow closure element.
 28. The method as set forth in claim27, including the step of: rotating the flow closure element to enableflow of well fluids after spacing the flow closure element from thesecond sealable engagement with the valve seat means.
 29. The method asset forth in claim 28, including the step of: equalizing the well fluidpressure adjacent the flow closure element prior to rotating the flowclosure element.
 30. A method of operating a subsurface safety valvemounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well forcontrolling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduitwith a valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, includingthe steps of: spacing a flow closure element from sealable engagementwith a valve seat means by moving the seat means from sealableengagement with the flow closure element for spacing the seat means andflow closure element; engaging the flow closure element at spacedlocations on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effectingmovement of the flow closure element; and urging on the flow closureelement at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closureelement to enable flow of well fluids through the bore of the wellconduit.
 31. VALVE APPARATUS FOR SUBSURFACE USE IN WELLS, INCLUDING: AFLOW HOUSING HAVING A BORE THERETHROUGH AND MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID FLOWHOUSING WITH A WELL CONDUIT AT A DESIRED SUBSURFACE LOCATION IN A WELL,BORE CLOSURE MEANS MOUNTED WITH SAID FLOW HOUSING FOR MOVEMENT TO ANDFROM AN OPEN POSITION FOR ENABLING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH SAID BOE AND ALOSED POSITION FOR BLOCKING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH SAID BORE, SAID BORECLOSURE MEANS, COMPRISING: A FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT MOVABLY DISPOSED INSAID BORE TO AND FROM OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OFFLUID THROUGH SAID BORE, VALVE SEAT MEANS HAVING AN ANNULAR RESILIENTSEAL MOVABLY DISPOSED IN SAID BORE FOR SEALABLY ENGAGING WITH SAID FLOWCLOSURE ELEMENT IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OFFLUID THROUGH SAID BORE, AND OPERATOR MEANS OPERABLY CONNECTED WITH SAIDFLOW COLSURE ELEMENT FOR EFFECTING MOVEMENT OF SAID FLOW COLSURE ELEMENTTO AND FROM THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITION, SAID OPERATOR MEANS SPACINGSAID ANNULAR RESILIENT SEAL AND SAID FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT FROM SEALABLEENGAGEMENT PRIOR TO MOVING SAID FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT FROM THE CLOSED TOTHE OPEN POSITION WHEREIN THE VALVE APPARATUS CONTROLS THE FLOW OFFLUID.
 32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said valveseat means having a seat member engageable with said closure element inthe open position.
 33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein:said valve seat means and said flow closure element arranged forequalizing the fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element whensaid valve seat means and said flow closure element are spaced by saidoperator means.
 34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, including:said valve seat means having an annular seat member for sealablyengaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluidtherebetween when said flow closure element is in the closed position.35. The apparatus as set forth in claim 34, including: said operatormeans spacing said annular seat member from said flow closure elementprior to moving said flow closure element open.
 36. The apparatus as setforth in claim 35, including: said flow closure element in moving to theopen position sealably engages with said annular seat member.
 37. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said flow closure elementformed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formedtherethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flowthrough said flow passage in the open position and to block flow withsaId ball-type valve element in the closed position.
 38. The apparatusas set forth in claim 37, wherein: said operator means effectingrotational movement of said ball-type valve element to the open positionafter spacing said ball-type valve element from said valve seat means.39. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said valve seatmeans sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element when saidball-type valve element is substantially rotated open.
 40. The apparatusas set forth in claim 39, wherein: said valve seat means having a firstannular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve elementto block passage of fluid therebetween at a first location; and saidvalve seat means having a second annular seat member for sealablyengaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluidtherebetween at a second location spaced from said first locationwherein said valve seat means effects two flow blocking sealingengagements with said ball-type valve element in the closed position.41. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flowhousing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flowhousing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well;bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and aclosed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said boreclosure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed insaid bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow offluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore forsealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow offluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with saidbore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means toand from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing saidvalve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagementprior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein thevalve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said valve seat means havinga first seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure elementto block passage of fluid therebetween; and said valve seat means havinga second seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closureelement at a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the firstseat member to block passage of fluid between both said first seatmember and said flow closure element and said second seat member andsaid flow closure element when said flow closure element is in theclosed position, said operator means spacing said first seat member andsaid second seat member from said flow closure element prior to movingsaid flow closure element to the open position.
 42. Valve apparatus forsubsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a boretherethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a wellconduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure meansmounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open positionfor enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position forblocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means,comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to andfrom open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closuremeans for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from theopen and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seatmeans and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior tomoving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valveapparatus controls the flow of flUid; said valve seat means having afirst seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure elementto block passage of fluid therebetween; said valve seat means having asecond seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure elementat a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seatmember to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member andsaid flow closure element and said second seat member and said flowclosure element when said flow closure element is in the closedposition, said operator means spacing said first seat member and saidsecond seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving saidflow closure element to the open position; and said operator meansspaces said flow closure element and said second seat member forequalizing fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element prior tomoving the flow closure element to the open position.
 43. Valveapparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing havinga bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a wellconduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure meansmounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open positionfor enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position forblocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means,comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to andfrom open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closuremeans for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from theopen and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seatmeans and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior tomoving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valveapparatus controls the flow of fluid; said valve seat means having afirst seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure elementto block passage of fluid therebetween; said valve seat means having asecond seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure elementat a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seatmember to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member andsaid flow closure element and said second seat member and said flowclosure element when said flow closure element is in the closedposition, said operator means spacing said first seat member and saidsecond seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving saidflow closure element to the open position; and said operator means movessaid first seat member for spacing said first seat member from said flowclosure element.
 44. The apparatus as set forth in claim 43, wherein:said operator means moves said flow closure element for spacing saidsecond seat member from said flow closure element.
 45. The apparatus asset forth in claim 44, wherein: said operator means rotates said flowclosure element to the open position after spacing said first seat meansand said second seat means from said flow closure element.
 46. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein: said flow closure elementis formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formedtherethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flowthrough said flow passage in the open position and to block flow withsaid ball-type valve element in the closed position.
 47. The apparatusas set forth in claim 46, wherein: said operator means spaces saidball-type valve element from said second seat member prior to rotatingsaid ball-type valve element to the open position.
 48. The apparatus asset forth in claim 47, wherein: said operator means moves said ball-typevalve element longitudinally in said bore of said housinG when rotatingsaid ball-type valve element to and from the open and closed position.49. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein: said operator meansmaintains said first seat member and said second seat member spaced fromsaid ball-type element when rotating said ball-type element to the openposition.
 50. The apparatus as set forth in claim 49, wherein: saidfirst seat member and said second seat member sealably engage with saidball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element issubstantially rotated open.
 51. The apparatus as set forth in claim 50,wherein: said operator means moves said ball-type valve elementlongitudinally in said bore of said housing when rotating said ball-typevalve element to and from the open and closed positions.
 52. Valveapparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing havinga bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a wellconduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure meansmounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open positionfor enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position forblocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means,comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to andfrom open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closuremeans for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from theopen and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seatmeans and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior tomoving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valveapparatus controls the flow of fluid; said flow closure element formedby a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough,said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flowpassage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valveelement in the closed position; said valve seat means sealably engagingwith said ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element issubstantially rotated open; said valve seat means having a first annularseat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to blockpassage of fluid therebetween at a first location; said valve seat meanshaving a second annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-typevalve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a secondlocation spaced from said first location wherein said valve seat meanseffects two flow blocking sealing engagements with said ball-type valveelement in the closed position; and said operator means effectingrotational movement of said ball-type valve element to the open positionafter spacing said ball-type valve element from said first annular seatmember and said second annular seat member.
 53. Valve apparatus forsubsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a boretherethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a wellconduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure meansmounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open positionfor enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position forblocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means,comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to andfrom open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closuremeans for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from theopen and closed position, said operator means spacinG said valve seatmeans and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior tomoving said bore closure means to the open position; said flow closureelement formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formedtherethrough, said ball-type valve element pivotally connected with saidhousing for effecting rotation to enable flow through said flow passagein the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve elementin closed position; a first operator member disposed in said bore andmounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative theretosaid operator member engageable with said ball-type valve in the closedposition; and means pivotally connecting said first operator member andsaid ball-type valve element for moving said ball-type valve to effectrotation of said ball-type valve element between open and closedpositions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinaldirections said means for connecting arranged to move said ball-typevalve to effect opening rotation after spacing said operator member fromengagement with said ball-type valve wherein the valve apparatuscontrols the flow of fluid.
 54. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53,wherein: said first operator member moves in a longitudinal directionaway from said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valveelement to the open position.
 55. The apparatus as set forth in claim53, wherein said means for rotating said ball-type valve element,including: a control frame connected with said first operator member forlimited longitudinal movement relative thereto; and lugs on one of saidcontrol frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve elementoperatively engaging with recesses on the other of said control frame oron opposite sides of said ball-type valve element for rotating saidball-type valve element between opened and closed positions uponmovement of said control frame in opposite longitudinal directions withsaid first operator member.
 56. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53,wherein: said valve seat means including a first seat member mountedwith said first operator member for sealably engaging with saidball-type valve element.
 57. The apparatus as set forth in claim 56,wherein: said first operator member moves said first seat member fromsealable engagement with said ball-type valve element prior to rotatingsaid ball-type valve element to the open position.
 58. Valve apparatusfor subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a boretherethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a wellconduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure meansmounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open positionfor enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position forblocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means,comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to andfrom open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engagingwith said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid throughsaid bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closuremeans for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from theopen and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seatmeans and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior tomoving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valveapparatus controls the flow of fluid; said flow closure element formedby a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough,said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flowpassage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valveelement in the closed position; a first operator member mounted withsaid housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; Meansconnecting said first operator member and said ball-type valve elementfor rotating said ball-type valve element between open and closedpositions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinaldirections; said first operator member moves in a longitudinal directionaway from said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valveelement to the open position; and said operator means including meansfor urging said first operator member towards said ball-type valveelement for rotating said ball-type valve element to the closedposition.
 59. The apparatus as set forth in claim 58, including: firstcontrol means for moving said first operator member in a longitudinaldirection away from said ball-type valve element in response to a firstcontrol signal initiated at a location remote from said flow housing.60. The apparatus as set forth in claim 59, including: second controlmeans for moving said operator member in a longitudinal direction awayfrom said ball-type valve element in response to a second control signalinitiated at a location remote from said flow housing wherein said firstor second control means operates said ball-type valve element open. 61.Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housinghaving a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing witha well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closuremeans mounted with said housing for movement to and from an openposition for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closedposition for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closuremeans, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said boreto and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluidthrough said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealablyengaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluidthrough said bore; operator means operatively connected with said boreclosure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to andfrom the open and closed position, said operator means spacing saidvalve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagementprior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein thevalve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said flow closure elementformed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formedtherethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flowthrough said flow passage in the open position and to block flow withsaid ball-type valve element in the closed position; a first operatormember mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relativethereto; means connecting said first operator member and said ball-typevalve element for rotating said ball-type valve element between open andclosed positions upon movement of said operator member in oppositelongitudinal directions; a control frame connected with said firstoperator member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto; lugson one of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-typevalve element operatively engaging with recesses on the other of saidcontrol frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve element forrotating said ball-type valve element between open and closed positionsupon movement of said control frame in opposite longitudinal directionswith said first operator member; said valve seat means having a firstseat member mounted with said first operator member for sealablyengaging with said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluidtherebetween; and said control frame connected with said first operatormember for enabling said first operator member to move said first seatmember from sealing engagement with said ball-type valve prior torotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.
 62. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 61, including: a second operator membermounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; asecond seat member mounted with said second operator member for sealablyengaging with said ball-type valve element at a second location to blockpassage of fluid therebetween; and said control frame moving saidball-type valve from sealing engagement with said second seat memberprior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position. 63.The apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein: said first operatormember moves in a direction away from said ball-type valve element wheneffecting rotation of said ball-type valve element to the open position.64. A well tool valve apparatus adapted for mounting with a well conduitat a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluidsthrough the bore of the well conduit, including: a housing adapted formounting with a well conduit at the subsurface location in the well;bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to andfrom an open position for enabling flow of well fluids through the boreof the well conduit and a closed position for blocking flow of wellfluids through the bore of the well conduit; said bore closure meanscomprising: a movable flow closure element mounted with flow housing forcontrolling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit bymovement to and from the open and closed positions; valve seat means forsealably engaging with said flow closure element for blocking flow offluid between said flow closure element and said valve seat means; andoperator means operatively connected with said bore closure means foreffecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open andclosed positions in response to movement of said operator means inopposite directions in said housing, said operator means in moving in adirection away from said flow closure element spacing said valve seatmeans and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior tomoving said flow closure element to the open position.
 65. The apparatusas set forth in claim 64, wherein: said flow closure element including aball-type valve having a flow passage formed therethrough, saidball-type valve rotating to and from the open position for enabling flowof well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the wellconduit and the closed position for blocking flow of well fluids throughsaid flow passage and the bore of the well conduit.
 66. A well toolvalve apparatus adapted for mounting with a well conduit at a subsurfacelocation in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the boreof the well conduit, including: a housing adapted for mounting with awell conduit at the subsurface location in the well; bore closure meansmounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open positionfor enabling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduitand a closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through the boreof the well conduit; said bore closure means comprising; a movable flowclosure element mounted with flow housing for controlling flow of wellfluids through the bore of the well conduit by movement to and from theopen and closed positions; valve seat means for sealably engaging withsaid flow closure element for blocking flow of fluid between said flowclosure element and said valve seat means; operator means operablyconnected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of saidbore closure means to and from the open and closed positions in responseto movement of said operator means in opposite directions in saidhousing, said operator means in moving in a direction away from saidflow closure element spacing said valve seat means and said flow closureelement from sealable engagement prior to moving said flow closureelement to the open position; said flow closure element including aball-type valve having a flow passage formed therethrough, saidball-type valvE rotating to and from the open position for enabling flowof well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the wellconduit and the closed position for blocking flow of well fluids throughsaid flow passage and the bore of the well conduit; a first operatormember mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relativethereof; and means connected said first operator member and saidball-type valve for rotating said ball-type valve between open andclosed positions upon movement of said operator member in oppositelongitudinal directions.
 67. A well tool valve apparatus adapted formounting with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well forcontrolling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit,including: a housing adapted for mounting with a well conduit at thesubsurface location in the well; bore closure means mounted with saidflow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flowof well fluids through the bore of the well conduit at a closed positionfor blocking flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit;said bore closure means comprising; a movable closure element mountedwith flow housing for controlling flow of well fluids through the boreof the well conduit by movement to and from the open and closedpositions; valve seat means for sealably engaging with said flow closureelement for blocking flow of fluid between said flow closure element andsaid valve seat means; operator means operably connected with said boreclosure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to andfrom the open and closed positions in response to movement of saidoperator means in opposite directions in said housing, said operatormeans in moving in a direction away from said flow closure elementspacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element fromsealable engagement prior to moving said flow closure element to theopen position; said flow closure element including a ball-type valvehaving a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve rotatingto and from the open position for enabling flow of well fluids throughsaid flow passage and the bore of the well conduit and the closedposition for blocking flow of well fluids through said flow passage andthe bore of the well conduit; a first operator member mounted with saidhousing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; means connectingsaid first operator member and said ball-type valve for rotating saidball-type valve between open and closed positions upon movement of saidoperator member in opposite longitudinal directions; and said valve seatmeans having a first seat member mounted with said first operator memberfor sealably engaging with said ball-type valve to block passage of wellfluids therebetween, said first operator member moving said first seatmember from sealable engagement with said ball-type valve prior torotating said ball-type valve to the open position.
 68. The apparatus asset forth in claim 67, wherein said means for rotating said ball-typevalve between open and closed positions includes: a control frameconnected with said first operator member for limited longitudinalmovement relative thereto; and lugs on one of said control frame or onopposite sides of said ball-type valve operatively engaging withrecesses on the other of said control frame or on opposite sides of saidball-type valve for effecting rotation of said ball-type valve uponmovement of said control frame in opposite longitudinal directions withsaid first operator member.
 69. The apparatus as set forth in claim 68including: urging means mounted with said housing for urging said firstoperator member in a longitudinal direction to rotate said ball-typevalve closed; and control means for moving said first operator in alongitudinal direction to rotate said ball-type valve open whereinoperation of said ball-type valve is controlled.
 70. The apparatUs asset forth in claim 69, wherein: said control means moves said firstoperator in a direction away from said ball-type valve.
 71. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 68, including: second control means formoving said first operator in a longitudinal direction to rotate saidball-type valve open wherein said ball-type valve is controllable byeither said first or said second control means.
 72. A well tool valveapparatus adopted for mounting with a well conduit at a subsurfacelocation in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the boreof the well conduit; including: a tubular housing having means formounting with the well tubing at the subsurface location, said housinghaving a bore formed therethrough for communicating with the bore of thewell conduit above and below said housing; a ball-type valve having aflow passage formed therethrough movably disposed in said bore of saidhousing, said ball-type valve rotating to and from an open position forenabling flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore ofthe well conduit and a closed position for blocking flow of well fluidsthrough said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit; first seatmeans movably disposed in said bore of said housing below said ball-typevalve for engaging with said ball-type valve to control flow of wellfluids through said bore of said housing; second seat means movablydisposed in said bore of said housing above said ball-type valve forsealing engagement with said ball-type valve to control flow of wellfluids through said bore of said housing; first operator member meansmovably disposed in said bore of said housing and mounting said firstseat means; said first operator member means operably connected withsaid ball-type valve for substantially moving said ball-type valve toand from the open and closed positions upon controlled movement of saidfirst operator member means; second operator member means movablydisposed in said bore of said housing and mounting said second seatmeans for sealing engagement with said ball when said ball-type valve isin the open and closed positions; and means actuated remotely from saidhousing for effecting coordinated movement of said first and secondoperator member means to space said first seat means from said ball-typevalve and said ball-type valve from said second seat means prior torotating said ball-type valve substantially to the open position fromthe closed position with said first operator member means wherein flowof well fluids is enabled.
 73. A method of operating closed a subsurfacerotatable ball-type safety valve from the open position, including thesteps of: spacing an upper seat from engagement with the ball-type valvein the open position; spacing the ball-type valve from a lower seat; androtating the ball-type valve closed wherein the ball-type valve isoperated closed.
 74. The method as set forth in claim 73, including thestep of: sealably engaging the ball-type valve with the upper seat forblocking flow of fluid therebetween.
 75. The method as set forth inclaim 73, including the step of: sealably engaging the ball-type valvewith the lower seat for blocking flow of fluid therebetween.
 76. Themethod as set forth in claim 73, including the step of: sealablyengaging the ball-type valve with the lower and upper seats for blockingflow of fluid between each of the seats and the ball-type valve.